We propose a simple method for monitoring the axial tensile and compressive force in a structure by using a piezoelectric patch with the piezoelectric impedance based measurement. A simple approximate equation for estimating the tensile force in two different conditions, which can be calculated easily if the natural frequencies in two different states are measured, is explained in detail. On another front, the natural frequency can be very easily measured by a piezoelectric element by bonding it on the measuring subject structure, because its electric impedance of piezoelement is related to the structural mechanical impedance. Furthermore, an experiment for measuring a tensile force in a simple supported beam is carried out for validating the proposed method. The results show a good accuracy in estimating the tensile force variation by the natural frequency change measured from the piezoelement.